Steven Taylor WILL leave Newcastle this summer after turning down new deal

Miles Starforth

Steven Taylor's long Newcastle United career will end when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The defender – who made his debut more than 12 years ago – will leave the club this summer.

Taylor turned down the offer of a new incentive-based one-year deal at St James's Park.

United manager Rafa Benitez said: "Steven has been a very good player for this club for a long time, and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times.

"I would like to thank Steven for his service and I wish him well for his future."

Managing director Lee Charnley said: "I have known Steven since he first joined the club as a teenager, and during that time his enthusiasm and love for the club has never wavered.

"He has always shown great commitment over the years. He has also been a superb ambassador for the club, representing Newcastle United at countless community and charitable events across the region during his time with us.

"I wish him all the very best for the future."

Taylor said: "It'll be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle, but I've been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge.

"I've loved my time at Newcastle. I'll always be a huge fan of the club and I'll be returning to St James's Park as a supporter whenever I can."

Taylor made 268 appearances, and scored 15 goals, for Newcastle.

The 30-year-old's final appearance came in the club's season-ending 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur